FRIDAY, FEB. 18, 2005
California Dreamin'
Fifth District Dems Tackle Social Security, Tax Cuts & Flood Control

By Meg Kinnard, NationalJournal.com
© National Journal Group Inc.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle will be discussing Social Security in their home districts next week, but one woman who hopes to join them on the Hill is taking up the issue on the air.

Doris Matsui (D), widow of the late Rep. Robert Matsui (D), waded into the debate Thursday, going up in California's 5th District with a new TV spot. Holding her young granddaughter Anna, Matsui says that she opposes "the plan to privatize Social Security" and explains that the proposal puts the "disability benefits" and survivor benefits" that some depend on "at risk."

In her first TV ad, Matsui told Sacramento-area residents last week that, "in these limited budget times, we need someone who understands that we have to keep fighting" for flood control.

Matsui may have top name recognition in this race, but that isn't keeping other candidates off the air. On Monday, law school dean Julie Padilla (D) launched her first TV ad, telling viewers, "We just need to rethink our priorities such as war and tax cuts for the wealthy, and for universal health care, education and our children." (Campaign Tip Sheet)

Meanwhile, in New Jersey, gubernatorial hopeful Doug Forrester (R) on Wednesday cemented his campaign theme: cleaning up government. Forrester tells Garden State voters in his second TV spot that, if elected, he'll "sweep up corruption and make government work for the families who pay for it."

A January radio ad tackled similar themes, and in November, the Republican debuted his plan to create "an independent elected state auditor to fight corruption and waste." (Campaign Tip Sheet)

  • Matsui Decries Bush's Social Security Plan
  • Matsui's Debut Hits On Flood Control Funding
  • Padilla Urges Focus On Health Care, Education
  • Forrester's Second Salvo Gets Personal With N.J. Voters

    Fuel Efficiency, Telecom Star In Pre-SOTU Spots
    Prior to the recent hubbub over Social Security and the president's FY06 budget, two groups discussed other issues on-air. During the week of Jan. 11, the National Resources Defense Council debuted a Detroit-area TV spot urging automakers to "Build High-Performance Hybrids Now." Days later, the United States Telecom Association released a national TV ad tying telecom modernization to the nation's global viability.

  • Pre-SOTU Spots Promote Fuel Efficiency, Telecom Revamp

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